Warp & Weft Sponsors FIT Competition

November 10, 2011, HFN Staff

Working with the Fashion Institute of Technology, high-end rug gallery and manufacturer Warp & Weft sponsored Contemporary Creations: A Rug Design Competition for the 24 students in the college's Custom Rug and Carpet Design course, for upper-division Textile/Surface Design Program students. The students were tasked with creating a contemporary design with complete freedom in expressing their ideas on color and pattern.

The winning design will be handwoven into a 6-by-9 rug--in Warp & Weft's signature 100 knots--and displayed at the company's booth at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair 2012. In addition, both the first- and second-place winners will receive $500 each, and three runner-ups will receive $250 each.

While results were still being determined at presstime, students Denize Sofia Maaloe (whose design is shown) and Charlotte Rodiere were among the top winners.

"We are so pleased to be able to offer a chance for these students to exhibit their work to a panel of industry leaders," said Michael Mandapati, founder and creative director of Warp & Weft. "We are wholly committed to supporting young designers, and soon-to-be designers, and this competition is the perfect medium to do this. FIT is a premier institution for design education, and we are certain their students are up to the task."

Deborah Hernandez, adjunct professor and owner of The Rug Designer's Studio Inc, teaches the class. "Companies like Warp & Weft have the unique ability to provide real life experience and exposure to aspiring designers," she said. "This is truly a special opportunity, and it has been wonderful working with them on this competition."